Race to honor memory of Matt Bruce

A 5K run/walk to honor the memory of Northborough resident Matt Bruce will be held Saturday, April 5 in Northborough. Photo/submitted

Northborough – A 5K run/walk to honor the memory of Northborough resident Matt Bruce will be held Saturday, April 5, at the Proctor Elementary School, 26 Jefferson Rd. Matt died March 21 after a courageous battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 26.

Originally the 5K was to be a fundraiser to help with Matt's expenses. According to Jennifer Gauvin, a close friend of Matt's who is helping to organize the race, the funds will now be donated to Compassionate Care ALS at the request of the family.

“Matt was truly an inspiration to anyone he ever met and will be greatly missed. He was so excited when I told him the amount of people that have registered for this run,” she said. “I think we will all run a little bit harder while keeping Matt's strength in our hearts.”

It was important as well, Gauvin said, for the Bruce family to know “that we will always be ?here for you.”

“The strength this family has shown is so powerful and amazing,” she added. “As a community we want to give back and show our love for Matt and support his family in any way possible.”

Gauvin noted that her friend's philosophy was always “to just enjoy life and don's take it for granted.”

In that spirit, she said she knew he would want his family and friends to “stay strong and celebrate [his] life” at the 5K.

“We now have the best of all angels watching over us,” she added.

Registration for the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. race. The cost is $25 at the event; $10 for children under 12. For information is available at www.sportssignup.com/Miles-for-Matt-Benefit-5k-Run?Walk-Online-Registration.start. Those who cannot attend but wish to donate may send checks payable to the Matt Bruce Fund, St. Mary's Credit Union, 100 W. Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.